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Some of you have discussed with me the matter of my father-in-law.

Lord, where do I begin?

I have, over the last few years, been discussing with him my belief. To my dismay, we constantly skirt the root issue. He insists that there is no validity in the bible whatsoever. As infuriating as this is for me I calmly  try to find out why he would think such a thing.

What I know about Bob.

He attended a church as a child, although I don't know how much or which.
He attended a church briefly as a married adult and left it. It was a very bad experiance since they forced him to reveil his finances and tithe. (not a believer, how could they even try this........anouther thing that infuriates me)

Since his bad experiance, he has attended our church home on 2 occasions. After the second he openly stated that no one should ask him to return ever again.

I wish I had known this immediatly after, I would have committed to memory what the pastors message was, could have given me a clue to Bob's position.

While I respect his opinion I no longer seek his council, since he is not a believer, I can not knowingly do this.

His oldest daughter has recently returned home for a monthe and he is now determined to mock our beliefs, to appear more open minded to his very liberal oldest daughter.

Feels like the family has set istelf against us at this point.

It appears to me that the enemy has poisened his mind with "worldly" wisdom that he feels he is absolutely right.................and subsiquently lost forever.

He belives there is "some higher power, or spirituality" and is williing to entertain idol but not hear God's words.

A comment last night was made that "We know evolution has taken place....." to which I replyed "OK, who is we and how do we know this?"
he said "science has shown that some animals......blah blah blah....." I replyed " science is the report of first hand observation, what exactly have "we" observed to date" He made some statement about habitat adaptation and refered to it as evolution, I told him that is was adaptation not evolution, and that evolution by definition requires the change of one species into anouther which is biologically impossible, and science has proven that. You can not add or remove DNA strands, even artificially.

We cover so many topics that usually end in his stating that he feels everyone should have some type of spirituality but even when presented historical evedence will not give any validity to the Bible.

I think there in lies my battle.

I love the man like my own father

I'm at a loss. Some refuse salvation, and I weep for him. He unknowingly forces this belief system on his wife, who will also be lost.

I'm at a loss.

Rookie, You and apparently many others have planted the seed. That is the most that we can do besides to pray for them. We cannot force anyone to accept Jesus. Jesus Himself does not want. We know that He wants someone that willingly wants Him. Yes, it does hurt yet at the same time we cannot allow such things to drag us down. Give this to the Lord. I mean here to really give it to Him and let God deal with him from here. This does not mean to not witness to Him but be careful that it does not reach the point of being too pushy about it. Let your life as well as your words be a witness to him and pray for the whole family. That is the most that you can do.

I will be glad to join you in prayer for him and the family.

Thaks PR, I had to use the same approch with my wife. She refused to heqar it from me, yet is a believer today.

Praise God for his intervention!!

Thanks you for your prayers.

Add my prayers as well rookie, as my name is Bob too.

Hello Rookieupgrade1,

I will also join you in prayer. I can only imagine what a burden this would place on your heart. Brother, prayer is a mighty weapon, so please don't give up, and keep asking other Christians to join you in prayer.

Brother, I do have one suggestion for some future conversation you may have with Bob. It appears that he's had some bad experiences at church. You might have already done this, but try to explain to him that he isn't placing faith or trust in the preacher or any other man, JUST JESUS.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 36:7 NASB  How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

Amen brother. When people put their faith in a preacher or any other man they will failter and may even fail when that man falters.

I know that he has turned from God because of man. It is a deep problem when others try to manipulate using Gods word, and unfortunate that they prey on the uninformed who ultimately suffer for it.

All have sinned...........God is infallible

I never cease to be amazed by people that profess their faith in fact, are blinded to them

The enemy is at large and preys on the uninformed, his lies poisen their hearts and harden them to the truth.

Thank you all for your prayers, and advice.

I will try to keep you informed of any developments..................and God willing progress.

Rookie, you can add me to those praying for you and your father in law. There is power in prayer.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria